NIGHT markets or “pasar malam” have become vibrant again as traders in Kuala Lumpur report more people frequenting their stalls after the Covid-19 pandemic shattered business. 

Pertubuhan Pengurusan Pasar Malam Kuala Lumpur (PMKL) president Gulam Muszaffar Gulam Mustakim said traders were able to run their business normally again after Covid curbs were lifted in May last year. 

“We are still recovering, because we were the worst-hit during the pandemic. 

“Post-pandemic, we are starting to recover in terms of our business volume hitting about 75-80%,” he told The Malaysian Insight. 

PMKL was set up in 2014, where previously there were night markets in 99 locations. After the pandemic, they are in about 70 areas.

Gulam said night markets in certain areas had to be shut during the pandemic due to poor business.

“Now we are getting some applications for new markets. So, we target in two to three years to get back to pre-pandemic levels.”

Gulam said PMKL is comprised of 14,000 members who sell a variety of food and goods. About 70 organisers manage the night markets. 

“The organisers’ role is to manage the operations of the night markets. They have to ensure the traders comply with guidelines. There are about seven to eight night markets operating on any given day. 

“Some of them manage night markets in more than one zone. Night markets operate in different areas from Monday to Sunday from 4pm to 10pm.”

Gulam said PMKL’s main objective is to help manage the operations of night markets and assist with the issues faced by hawkers and traders.

“We want to streamline all our policies. All the night markets in Kuala Lumpur must have proper standards.

“For example, previously night markets were charging different rent rates for the lots. Some were collecting RM2, while others were charging RM8 or even RM10 for one lot.

“So when PMKL took over, we have standardised it to RM5 per lot (2x2m).

“We also standardised the canopy colour to yellow.”

Alan Ho Hon Loon, the organiser for the night market in Taman Kok Doh, Kepong, said PMKL has been around for 25 years. 

He said that business is starting to recover and their sales volume has gone up since restarting operations in May last year. 

“After the pandemic business has increased. It is more than 35% now. 

“We are now getting more people coming here.”

He said there are about 400 stalls selling a variety of food and goods at the Taman Kok Doh night market. – June 19, 2023.